Page 1/5, February 3, 2015 ZF shows the latest innovations of the wind industry at the Hanover Fair 2015 With innovative wind turbine gearboxes in the power range from 1.5 MW to 6.15 MW, ZF Wind Power provides answers to the challenges of our time Low operating costs associated with the highest availability are the focus of ZF Increasing energy consumption and depletion of fossil fuels: issues that require a rethinking of society and rapid action. ZF recognized this early on and has since been supplying innovative transmissions for wind turbine solutions thereby contributing to the development of a renewable form of energy, such as wind power. Also in this year, visitors to the Hanover Fair, the premier international industry fair, can assure themselves of the value of the latest ZF innovations in this area. For almost 35 years ZF Wind Power has developed wind turbine gearboxes in the power range from 1.5 MW to 6.15 MW. Through its early entry into the wind business at the end of the 70s ZF became a pioneer in this area. Valuable experience in the development of wind turbine gearboxes has been collected over decades, which in combination with the in-house production of critical components contributed to the establishment of ZF in the wind market. Top international manufacturers of wind turbines have selected ZF as their supplier. "We are convinced that there is a significant global demand for renewable energy. Wind power is the most attractive alternative in terms of energy costs and is continuously improving. Therefore, the importance of the Wind Power Technology business unit will continue to grow in the ZF group" according to Wilhelm Rehm, Board Member at ZF. ZF supports this statement also by participating in this year's Hanover Fair. Visitors can look forward to the planetary gear of the new generation of 3MW-transmissions.
Page 2/5, February 3, 2015 "The key to success in the wind energy market is low operating costs and minimum downtime of the equipment. ZF is making its contribution with weight and size optimized wind turbine gearboxes, which are at the same time powerful and have costeffective designs. This gives us a distinct advantage over our competitors," says Jan Willem Ruinemans, Vice President Business Unit Wind Power Technology. Also in the after-sales market, ZF further builds on its gearbox competence. To avoid exposure to unnecessary risks for wind turbine operation, ZF Services offers worldwide expertise on wind energy transmissions from a single source. With an extensive portfolio of services for the repair and maintenance of wind turbines ZF Services supports customers on all continents as local partner. This intensive cooperation with customers helps to continuously improving our service offer with the goal to minimize turbine down-time. Image: 1-3) ZF Wind Power Technology s latest 3,x MW development combining ZF s advanced features and proven gear technology, matching the most stringent wind market requirements. (Photo: ZF)
Page 3/5, February 3, 2015 Press Contact: Gernot Hein Director / Press Spokesman Phone: +49 (0) 8 51 4 94-24 80 Fax: +49 (0) 8 51 4 94-90 24 80
Page 4/5, February 3, 2015 Email: gernot.hein@zf.com ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology with 122 production companies in 26 countries. In 2014, the Group will presumably achieve a sales figure of more than 18 billion with about 72 000 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about 5 percent of its sales (2014: around 890 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers worldwide. Industrial Technology is the division where ZF bundles its activities for Off-Road applications. It comprises the development and production of transmissions and axles for agricultural- and construction machinery as well as driveline technology for material handling systems, rail- and special vehicles. The division is also responsible for the worldwide business of marine propulsion systems, aviation technology as well as the development and production of gearboxes for wind turbines. Test systems for all kinds of applications in driveline and chassis technology are also included in the division s portfolio. In 2015, the company will celebrate its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested, and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company's focus shifted to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first general manager and later head of the company. In this sector, the company registered numerous patents for innovative transmission technology and established itself once and for all as a major technology supplier. The first location outside Europe was founded in Brazil in 1958, launching a globalization drive that still continues. In addition, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise - also through acquisitions. In 1984, ZF acquired the majority share in Lemförder Metallwaren & Co. KG, a move which extended the product portfolio to include chassis technology. In 2001, ZF took over the former Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value added chain with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 1992. Today's product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles, and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In addition, ZF Services represents the Group on the international aftermarket. In 2014, ZF announced its intention to acquire US automotive supplier TRW. The shareholders of are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent. The
Page 5/5, February 3, 2015 "Motion and Mobility" slogan clearly states the company's core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably, and safely and experience the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership, and innovative power have always defined the Group's identity today as much as ever. For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com